Mason makes most of chance

MASON’S Chance, the horse that secured the final spot in the field at his fifth qualifying attempt, delivered Mackay trainer Olivia Cairns and connections the $100,000 Battle of the Bush final at Doomben on Saturday.

In front of a packed members’ grandstand, full of connections, Mason’s Chance nailed first emergency Bush Caviar in the last stride.

The two Far North horses in the race, Man Around Town and Big Tomee, finished eighth and sixth respectively, both just over a length behind the winner.

Racing Queensland introduced the Battle of the Bush to promote country racing and it was an outstanding success, with a capacity field of horses from all over the state.

The series featured 16 qualifying races and Mason’s Chance placed at Emerald, Home Hill, Thangool and Bowen before finally winning at Barcaldine to earn his place.

Cairns aimed at this inaugural final at the request of owner Tania Robert, who was on hand with breeder Bill Young at Doomben.

Cairns estimated that between the qualifying races and prior runs to ensure the horse was eligible, Mason’s Chance travelled the best part of 10,000km on a float.

“I can’t begin to explain what we’ve been through,” she said.

“The Townsville Cup was worth the same amount of money but it certainly wasn’t as prestige as this race. “It’s an amazing feeling. “For him to win the way he did was just incredible.

“It’s great to do it with (jockey) Justin (Stanley) as well. We’ve had a great success, me and Justin.

“He won on Sporting Page in town last year and he won the Townsville Cup for me.”

Cairns won the Townsville Cup with Forest Pride in 2003 and describes Mason’s Chance as a similar horse.

“This horse reminds me so much of Forest. He was a head case as well,” she said.

Stanley, who is among the state’s most travelled riders and has come back from near career-ending injuries, rated Saturday’s win as being “up there with one of the highlights of my career”.

“I’ve been riding a long time and been lucky enough to win a lot of good races but this, being the first running of it and for someone who’s been one of my biggest supporters the last 15 years, it’s terrific,” he said.